Salvador Caetano has completed the acquisition of the automotive group Cedar, one of the largest distributors and retailers in Ireland, thus beginning operations in the Irish market for the first time.
A leader in the automotive sector in Portugal and with operations in 48 countries across Europe, Africa and South America, Salvador Caetano Auto has 80 years of experience in distribution, retail, and the development of mobility solutions.
With nearly 28,000 vehicles sold in 2025, more than 600 employees and an annual turnover close to one billion euros, the Cedar Group now becomes part of Salvador Caetano.
Its activity is based on the exclusive import/distribution of the Renault, Dacia, Alpine and Nissan brands, complemented by an extensive network of owned dealerships dedicated to these brands and the representation of others such as Peugeot, Citroën, Mazda, Suzuki and Opel. The used car segment also plays a strategic role within the portfolio through its own brand, Windsor, supported by a solid nationwide retail network.
With this acquisition, the management team remains unchanged at this stage, continuing to lead the development of the group.
“It is with great satisfaction that we announce our entry into the Irish market and take another step in our international expansion through the acquisition of the Cedar Group, a strategic platform for our growth,” said Sérgio Ribeiro, Executive Board Member and CEO of Global Automotive Distribution – Salvador Caetano Auto.
Sérgio Ribeiro added: “The Cedar Group is fully aligned with our business model. It holds solid distribution rights for the Nissan, Renault, Dacia and Alpine brands, operates a benchmark automotive retail business with nine dealerships, and is led by a highly ambitious management team. We particularly highlight the remarkable growth achieved since acquiring the Renault, Dacia and Alpine dealerships in 2023.
Ireland is a dynamic and growing country. With a legacy of innovation and excellence, Salvador Caetano brings to this market the experience gained over 80 years, establishing itself as a new leader in the Irish automotive industry.”
“Salvador Caetano shares our ambition for growth and our commitment to further strengthening the success of the Cedar Group as the third-largest distributor in Ireland, as well as reinforcing the position of the Windsor Group among the country’s top four automotive retail groups,” said James McCarthy, CEO of the Cedar Group. “This acquisition represents a strategic opportunity for the future development of the business and clearly reflects the strength of the Irish automotive market and the Nissan, Renault, Dacia and Alpine brands. Our group is now part of a dynamic international automotive organization present on three continents, enabling us to benefit from best practices and 80 years of industry experience as we continue to grow and expand our presence in Ireland,” he added.
Founded in 1946, Salvador Caetano Auto is an international group headquartered in Portugal, with 80 years dedicated to the automotive industry. It consolidates its market position as a reference in the development of mobility solutions, consistently investing in innovation and sustainability as drivers of growth and differentiation. The company currently employs more than 8,900 people across 48 countries and 3 continents (Europe, Africa and South America). In 2025, the Group recorded a consolidated turnover of approximately 5 billion euros.
The Cedar Group is the largest independent automotive group in Ireland, comprising Nissan Ireland, Cedar Motors and the Windsor Motor Group. Nissan Ireland has been the exclusive distributor of Nissan cars, light commercial vehicles and parts in Ireland for almost 50 years. Cedar Motors is responsible for distributing the Renault, Dacia and Alpine brands. The Windsor Motor Group is one of the four largest automotive retail groups in Ireland, with 16 retail locations representing nine brands – Nissan, Renault, Dacia, Alpine, Peugeot, Opel, Mazda, Citroën and Suzuki. Headquartered in Dublin, the Cedar Group has 600 employees, sold nearly 28,000 vehicles in 2025, and recorded an annual turnover close to one billion euros.
Helena Quesado (Corporate Communications) +351 915 321 164 | helena.quesado@salvadorcaetano.pt
Paulo Passarinho (PR Manager) +351 966 532 862 | paulo.passarinho@salvadorcaetano.pt
Ian McClure, McClure Media & PR +353 (0)87 28 30 600 | ian@mccluremediapr.com
Cookie Settings
Cookies are used on this website to provide a better online experience. By continuing to use our website without changing your settings, we assume that you accept the use of cookies. If you want you can change settings here.